Overview & Reviews

Before Saturn was forced to call it a career after the 2009 GM bankruptcy affair, the Saturn Vue was one of the company's more endearing products. The Vue debuted in 2002 as GM's first home-grown entry in the car-based small-SUV segment, it recorded solid sales but not much critical acclaim. To compensate for the latter, Saturn made steady improvements and expanded the Vue's model lineup with the high-performance Red Line and hybrid Green Line variants. Though still not as polished as other top compact SUVs, the first-generation Vue remained attractive because of its low price and Saturn's famed no-hassle buying experience.

Introduced for 2008, the second-generation Saturn Vue improved upon the original's formula in many areas. This Vue shared much of its basic structure with the Antara, a small SUV produced by Opel, GM's Germany-based European division. While we usually roll our eyes at so-called badge engineering, this was one instance where we were flag-waving fans. The second-generation Vue was a remarkable improvement over its forebear, looking and feeling like a European-designed car that just happened to have Saturn badges.

However, Saturn's departure from the scene changes our view of the Vue. Given the first-generation Vue's spotty reliability record and the second-generation's European parts sourcing, we'd advise steering clear of used Vues unless you find an outstanding deal that leaves room for expected maintenance costs.

Most Recent Saturn Vue

The second-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2008-'09. Compared to the earlier Vue, it was very similar in size, with a nearly identical wheelbase and marginally greater width and height. However, its exterior was constructed of steel body panels. Although the old Vue's plastic ones prevented unsightly dings, they also looked cheap and created huge panel gaps. The second-generation Vue's interior was also higher in quality with improved ergonomics.

The five-passenger compact Vue crossover was available in three trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR and sporty Red Line. A 2.4-liter inline-4 that produced 164 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque was standard on the XE and for '09, on the XR. It was connected to a four-speed automatic. An optional 3.5-liter V6 was available on the XE, and it sent 215 hp and 220 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic. A 3.6-liter V6 (also matched to a six-speed auto) that generated 257 hp and 248 lb-ft was standard on the XR for '08 and optional for '09. The Red Line was available only with the 3.6-liter V6. A manual-shift feature for the automatic transmission was standard on the Red Line and optional on the XR. Front- or all-wheel drive was available on each trim.

When compared to other compact SUVs, the Vue was on the small side, with only 56 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, almost 20 cubes less than some of its key competitors. Passenger space was good, however, with a reclining rear seat that offered decent legroom. Front seat comfort was good as well, although some found the bottom cushions a little short and the seats in general lacking lateral and lumbar support.

In reviews of the front-drive Saturn Vue XR, we found it to be a real competitor in the rapidly expanding compact-SUV market. Although others offered more space or a more entertaining driving experience, the Vue made up for it with European-inspired styling, a well-built and attractive cabin, composed handling and respectably strong engine choices.

Past Saturn Vue Models

The first-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2002-'07 with plastic body panels (the second-generation has steel) and no specific trim levels. Though this Vue's interior was always second-rate, it was notably improved for the 2006 model year; models built previously were even more deficient in terms of interior materials quality and ergonomics. One should also note that Saturn offered a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from the 2002-'05 model years. Fitted to the 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, the CVT provided improved fuel mileage compared to the five-speed automatic. But long-term reliability was apparently an issue and Saturn discontinued it. It was replaced by a five-speed automatic as the optional transmission, while a five-speed manual remained standard equipment.

Finally, Vues built through the 2004 model year had a 181-hp, 3.0-liter V6 instead of the later Honda-engineered 3.5-liter V6 that was more refined and powerful with 250 hp. With this bigger engine came a few more features, including the option of all-wheel drive and the "Red Line" performance package.

In reviews, the first-generation Saturn Vue earned favorable commentary for its strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, roomy cabin, comfortable ride and dent-resistant plastic body panels. Noted downsides included below-average build quality, low-grade interior materials, vague steering and weak performance from the base four-cylinder engine.

User Reviews:

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  In love with my saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By kbnth - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The saturn vue is an extra value packed suv. Its got great looks great handling durabilaty low cost of ownership a great price and best of all dealer experience.

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  Great SUV for the price, Powerful V6 - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By eric - August 6 - 11:26 am

  So far have 2000 miles and loving it. Great mini SUV with lots of power, good gas mileage, and all around great driver. Nice inside and out. Definitely test drive one if youre in the market.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Ryan Z. - August 2 - 10:36 pm

  I waited a long time to buy this car, but Im glad I did. Everything you could want in an SUV you get with the Saturn Vue. I bought the XR V-6 with a couple of options, but nothing fancy. I love the way it drives, handles, and the way you feel like your a part of the car when you sitting in the drivers seat. The interior is set up beautifully. The V- 6 engine is strong and gives the car plenty of power. Everyone that sees this car cant believe its a Saturn. Bravo Saturn.

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  My Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jaskss - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I Love My Saturn Vue There Really isnt Much more to say Except Excellence

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  buy it - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By paulette - July 30 - 10:00 am

  this car is so great i cant believe that i had never driven one before its much better than my honda-crv that i had im hooked my future car will difinately be a satun .also i was so impressed with the fact that it had a cd/cassett in it ya------

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  Saturn Vue 2003 AWD V6 - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Cherieoub - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Fun vehicle to drive and Saturn has an excellent customer service. Great deal for the money!

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  ROLL BACK - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By TER - July 24 - 2:00 am

  HAVE FOUND WHEN THE VUE IS ONA SHARP INCLINE THERE IS SIGNIFICANT ROLL BACK. CONCERNED ABOUT HITTING A PERSON OF VEHICLE BEHIND ME OR ACCELRATING TOO QUICKLY WHEN COMPENSATING FOR ROLL BACK. RETURNED CAR TO DEALER WHO INDICATES THIS IS "NORMAL". VARIABLE TRANSMISSION ESSENTIALLY PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL WHEN STOPPED. THERE IS NOTHING TO BE DONE REGARDING THIS PROBLE AS IDLE CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED. I NOW HAVE A SIGN ON THE BACK OF MY SATURN INDICATING THE "VUE WILL ROLL BACK PLEASE KEEP YOUR DISTANCE". YOU SEE THE CAR ALMOST HIT A CHILD AS IT ROLLED BACK....APPARENTLY ACCORDING TO SATURN "ILL GET USED TO THIS"....

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  Get a load of that VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Robert - July 21 - 4:40 pm

  Im more about bells-and-whistles than nuts-and-bolts, but this is a very nice ride. After 17 months, I get 28-29mpg, though I just took a 400-mile trip on far less than a tank of gas (I average 410-430mpt, but this time I got over 450). As expected, mpg drops in the dead of winter and summer, with extra heater/AC use. Inside layout is easy, and takes only a minor getting used to (I no longer try to set the cruise control on the steering wheel and end up changing the radio station). Visibility and cargo capacity are quite good. Comfy seats, OnStar and XM are awesome. A couple of minor computer issues, resolved by dealer. And that engine turnoff at stoplights still freaks out passengers.

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  Saturn VUE Hybrid - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By ron - July 18 - 5:03 pm

  It drives nice, handles very well and is comforable to drive. The passenger seat could be improved for comfort by making the seat more flexible in range up and down and other adjustments. Storage is adequate for the size of the vehicle and is what we expected when we downsized.

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  The Mid Size SUV that Can - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By bikerbernie - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Price outstanding value for a family OEM tires are terrible (Bridgestone Dueler H/T 215/70 16) Great in WNY snow better tires would improve traction Roomiest behind the wheel over (GM) P/U trucks vans etc for my 6’1” 300lb body Horn is hard for wife to operate much pressure needed esp. in colder weather Window washers were r&r’ed because the nozzles pop out while in use A friends & my Vue blew front wheel bearings after our first tire rotation Dealer fixed problems under warrantee addressed every concern head on & promptly Best I have been treated by any dealer I would return 20000 mi later family is very happy with the vehicle